Keeping a monkey as a pet involves a lot of responsibility. Also, not all breeds of monkeys are suitable as pets. This article provides more information.
Keeping monkeys as pets is really challenging. You should be committed and gain enough knowledge about these primates to keep them as pets. You should be ready to spend enough time with them by cleaning and feeding them. They are constant attention seekers; if left unattended, they may become a menace. Investment of time is essential to build an interactive relationship with your pet. Your tolerance and patience levels should be high. They are not very clean animals, as they spill food and make their surroundings dirty. One of their behavioral traits is that they smile only when they get frightened and nervous.
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Pet monkeys require health checkups frequently, as a result, bearing the expenses may not be so easy. If a monkey gets irritated, he/she can bite the owner as well. Before keeping these wild animals as pets, ensure that you check all the legal laws from the municipality in your area ahead of bringing one home. Given below are the different species that are ideal as pets.
Capuchin Monkeys
Found in South and Central America, Capuchins belong to the group of New World monkeys. They are known for their high intelligence level and are good companions for humans. They have a height ranging from 30-56 centimeters excluding the tail. Keeping a Capuchin requires long-term commitment as they have a lifespan of 40 to 50 years. A strong cage is required for your pet’s security. They love to eat a varied diet. Variety in their diet keeps boredom away. Their diet includes fresh fruits and vegetables along with seeds and nuts. They may also prefer to feed on insects like mealworms, crickets, and grasshoppers. A good supplement of vitamins is must for your monkey’s health. Look for a nearby veterinarian, as they require a health checkup once in a year. Hunting games are not preferred by infant Capuchins as they love to cuddle.
Squirrel Monkeys
Originated in South America, these are about 25-35 centimeters tall. Being omnivorous, they prefer eating fruits and insects. They look beautiful and are fun to watch while playing. They seem cute due to their small appearance and are very hyperactive by nature. They have sharp teeth and if annoyed, can bite the owner. It is not necessary that they feed on whatever food you provide because it depends upon their mood. Hence, it is time-consuming searching for proper food. Some pet stores do keep food specifically meant for them. Babies can be fed on milk primarily and later, can be given solid foods. Nutritious foods will keep them happy and help to build their immune system.
Marmoset Monkeys
Originated in South America, these are from the family callitrichids. They are 14-16 centimeters tall. They prefer a rotating diet that should consist of carrots, cucumber, broccoli, fresh fruits, and do not forget to supplement their foods with New World primate biscuits. You can offer them a delicious breakfast like cooked pasta or cooked oatmeal on a regular basis. They love to eat different varieties of meals. Provide them with 125 mg of chewable vitamin C tablets and vitamin D3 supplements to encourage healthy growth. They need to be wrapped up in towels and blankets in order to snuggle. They are intelligent, small creatures that require a large enclosure for jumping and playing. Due to the high space requirement, pet owners allow them to run free in their home. If trained properly, they will defecate in a specified place. They have a habit of passing urine frequently. If kept singly, they will try to become a member of your family.
As a pet owner, you should provide your pet monkey with proper housing, adequate food, and attention. Being social animals, they have emotional needs and are highly-intelligent.
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